Get Out // 3 Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Exercises

May 18, 2018

Our brain is a complex organ that we don’t even completely understand yet. So we’re definitely excused for not always understanding ourselves. Luckily, scientists have found a few shortcuts to brighten your smile on an everyday basis and give you that extra energy you need in the middle of the week; just lift yourself up from the couch, put your shoes on and go out and play. Outdoor exercises are key.

The benefits on your body may be the same as those you reap while sweating away in the gym, but your mind is able to enjoy an entirely different experience. Here is a handful of the rejuvenating benefits you’ll enjoy by spending more time in nature this summer, saluting the actual sun, and allowing the fresh breeze to cool you off.

It reduces depression

Moving outdoors have proven to reduce anger and improve your overall mood, while exposure to sunlight helps you to reach that level of Vitamin D you need to thrive. To make matters even better, you don’t have to spend hours pumping iron in the garden. Light activity, such as a walk or simple gardening, can be enough to give your mood a serious boost.

It improves your self-esteem

While everyone else knows that you’re an awesome person, it can sometimes be difficult to see those traits in yourself. If you’re feeling a bit low, it’s a good idea to spend some time outside and do light to moderate activity. Surprisingly, scientists have found that a lighter exercise has more impact on your sense of self-esteem. So forget that high-intensity workout!

That’s great news if you’re not a fan of tasting blood and seeing double after a workout, so get your bike ready for summer right away. Give yourself an extra boost by being responsible and making sure your bicycle is up to date first. Add an insurance from Velosure to feel completely safe. Remember to always protect your head in case of a tumble.

It makes you more grateful

You know all those meditation courses your annoying coworkers keep talking about or those mindfulness classes others are preaching about? All they are really chasing after is a sense of inner calm and a moment of peace. It’s the ultimate achievement, actual gratitude for simply being alive.

Admittedly, it can be tough to stay grateful for all the wonderful things in life when you’re staring at a wall. You may be counting its bricks and waiting.

Try to spend time in nature every day. Even if it’s just a walk after lunch or a longer exercise session in the garden. You’ll feel a renewed sense of gratitude for the beauty of nature – the kind you’ll hardly find by being indoors all day.

Go outside, find a soft spot in your garden, lay down to stare up into the sky. You may realise that nature is a part of us and that’s why we keep craving it. It has such an impact on our mood and admiring its beauty should be just as natural as breathing and drinking water.